There are many reasons to be a home body. My youngest has always been one to love home best. No matter where we would travel, he always asked, “when can we go home?” I have enjoyed many memorable trips, but after being gone for a while, home was always calling me. Now that travel brings risk for catching covid, I’ve spent most of my time at home. Most people have gotten very impatient to leave their homes and go somewhere. Some people just want to go anywhere, rather than be trapped in their homes. Although I’m feeling desperate to travel and see my children, I know that this isn’t the time for me to go. As I’ve thought long about it, I’ve realized that traveling isn’t the most important thing. I can be content at home. There are many reasons why we shouldn’t be focused on going somewhere else. Sunsets Have you ever thought about the sunsets? The sunsets in my backyard are just as beautiful as sunsets in other parts of the world. Take a little time and watch the sunsets where you live. You would even enjoy getting up and watching the sun rise, too. Take a cup of coffee or tea and sit outside, just soaking in the beauty of the sky. Breathe and relax, taking in the gorgeous sky above. Food We all eat food. Have you missed eating out? Are there regional restaurants that you miss? When I lived in the deep South, I tasted some amazing seafood on the gulf coast. Do you miss food from the Atlantic or Pacific coasts? We can actually come pretty close to reproducing some of our favorite meals at home. My daughter made beignets that rivaled those that I ate in the French Quarter in New Orleans. We learned to make Red Lobster style cheddar biscuits, too. If you have longed for a certain style of eating, try making it at home. There are times that we’ve focused on Italian food, and even went out of our way to decorate the table in an Italian style. Take your meal outdoors. Create a wonderful al fresco setting. Add some candles or deck lighting to make your backyard or patio feel like an outdoor cafe. Food can be delicious and festive at home. Indoors A home is what you make of it. I love the look of a cozy bed and breakfast. Going to a luxurious modern hotel is also fun. No matter what type of decor you prefer, you can always make your indoor living space a cozy and inviting place. Although we’ve been staying home for months, we may not have made the most of our space. You don’t have to spend money to make your home a place you love. Over the years, I’ve lived in many different homes. The one thing that has been true in each home is that when it’s tidy and clean I will love being there. Often when we’re hating our living room or bedroom, it’s because it’s cluttered and needs cleaning. That’s when I will get dissatisfied and want to get away. Taking a little time to de-clutter the space and cleaning it makes all the difference in the world. If you can add a potted plant or vase of flowers, the room will feel new! Green Spaces Green grass is just as pretty in your yard as any beautiful field of green grass in the world. A tall oak tree or any tree brings lovely breezes in your yard. A blooming flower or shrub can bring just as much joy in your yard as those in a cottage garden in England. Sit and take in the beauty close by. If you can, add more fragrant plants. Adding some colorful flowers to your patio or front porch can help you to feel happy. If you live near a forest or field, go and walk around or sit for a while. A lounge chair or blanket in a peaceful, private location can be relaxing and a timeout from the stress of life. Take a picnic lunch or just cold drinks and some fruit. Watching for squirrels, birds, or rabbits is relaxing in your own neighborhood. Appreciating the wonder and beauty around us brings a feeling of gratitude. Being thankful for what we have and the place that we are makes a difference in our attitude and mindset. We don’t need to travel to have a vacation-type experience. Every day we are alive is a beautiful day. What is your favorite way to enjoy home? @2020, copyright Lisa Ehrman
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4 Ways To Appreciate Home
